第10回大会に参加した様子を事細かく書いてくださっています。
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The 10th Edition of FunTrails Round Chichibu and Oku-Musashi
(A Celebration of 10 Years of Fun Trails Races)
Achieving excellence over a decade requires immense hard work, dedication and adaptability. The 2024 edition of FunTrails Round Chichibu and Oku-Musashi marked a significant milestone for all these reasons and more. This 10th edition of the beloved Saitama race brought new challenges, course changes, special guests, and unseasonably warm weather.
Before diving into my breakdown of the event and my experience on the new 50km course, I want to provide some context. Last year, I also wrote a report on this event, where I shared my personal history with trail running and racing Japan. That report covered the background of Fun Trails, the FTR Chichibu & Oku-Musashi race, and my experience tackling the 100km course.
While I’ll briefly cover some of these aspects here, I recommend checking out last year’s report for a more detailed overview. I’ll do my best to keep the next section concise. (If you’re familiar with my past reports, you know they can get a bit lengthy—feel free to skip sections, no hard feelings!)
Who Am I, and What Is FTR Chichibu & Oku-Musashi?
While I don’t expect most readers to know me, I assume many are familiar with this race. Regardless, let’s touch on both.
I’m James, a 41-year-old Canadian who has been living in Japan since 2009. I’ve always been drawn to the outdoors, mountains, and winter sports for as long as I can remember. Although I didn’t run much growing up, like many others, I found my way into running during the COVID-19 pandemic. From the start, I was captivated by endurance running. My first race was a road marathon in the spring of 2022, which I attempted—and successfully completed.
Shortly after that marathon, I discovered trail running and trail races—and I’ve been hooked ever since. For those of you who’ve also been bitten by the trail running bug, I’m sure you can relate.
While road running has its appeal and remains something I do regularly out of necessity, trail running is where the real fun and challenge lie. There’s something about navigating forest and mountain trails—running, hiking, climbing, and traversing terrain—that simply can’t compare to pounding the pavement. Trail running fosters a deep connection with nature, yourself, and those around you, a connection that’s hard to replicate on the roads.
Trail races often feel like a communal experience of togetherness, a stark contrast to the more individualistic nature of road racing. While there’s certainly an element of competition—especially at the top level—I view trail racing as a battle against the course and myself, rather than against other participants. Additionally, the incredible variety of trail courses and terrain shifts the focus away from finish times, unlike road races where time is often paramount.
For me, participating in trail races is about challenging both my body and mind, immersing myself in nature, and experiencing its beauty. I treasure the opportunity to meet and share kilometers with like-minded participants, savor the local foods offered at aid stations, and express gratitude to the hardworking volunteers who make these events possible.
With these values in mind, I believe Fun Trails truly excels and goes the extra mile. They’re an organization that genuinely cares about their participants and works hard to keep them coming back. Their dedication to creating opportunities for shared experiences in the mountains across Japan is evident.
This is my third time joining a Fun Trails race. From my experience their events are meticulously organized, with clear course markings, friendly and well-stocked aid stations, and thoughtfully designed courses that are safe, challenging, and beautiful. For me, Fun Trails lives up to their slogan: “Not only athletes, Everyone can enjoy!” (Though I might have to push back on this idea when it comes to the new 100 Mile division of this year’s race—but more on that later.)
Old Traditions and New Beginnings
Over the past 10 years since its debut in 2015, this race has seen both constants and changes. Again, I delved more deeply into the race’s history in last year’s report, so for a more comprehensive look, feel free to check that out. Here’s an abridged version.
Since its inception, the race’s signature distance has been the challenging 100km course, which starts and finishes at Hitsujiyama Park in Chichibu, Saitama. Known for its ruggedness and difficulty, the course has remained relatively consistent through the years and features well over 6,000 meters of elevation gain. Originally, the event also included a 50km point-to-point course, which lasted until 2018, this was later replaced by a shorter 30km route. This format of dual distance races of 100km and 30km remained unchanged until this year.
A major change in 2024 was the introduction of three race distances instead of two: the traditional 100km course, a brand-new 50km course, and, for the first time in Fun Trails history, a 100-mile division!
Quick Facts
What: 10th FunTrails Round Chichibu & Oku-Musashi Trail Race
When: November 16th (Saturday), 2024
Where: Chichibu City, Saitama
Who: About 1400 entrants; (113 in the 100 Mile (completion rate: 34.5%), 604 in the 100km (completion rate: 68.7%) 678 in the 50km (completion rate: 76.4%)
Last Edition: November 18th, 2023 (9th FTR Chichibu & Oku-Musashi Trail Race)
Registering for FTR Chichibu & Oku-Musashi
For expats living in Japan or those visiting, signing up for the FTR Chichibu and Oku-Musashi race is a relatively simple process. In Japan, registering for races often means navigating websites entirely in Japanese, such as Sports Entry or Runnet. However, FTR Chichibu stands out by offering the option to register through Runnet Global, making it more accessible for international participants.
For those unfamiliar with it, Runnet is a popular Japanese race registration platform, and its global version allows English-language registrations for specific events. This global platform is especially common for high-profile trail races and major international marathons in Japan, catering to participants from around the world. In a move to increase international participation, Fun Trails wisely once again included the option to register through Runnet Global.
For those already living in Japan and accustomed to the process, registering through the Japanese version of Runnet remains a straightforward option.
After registration, participants will receive regular email updates from Fun Trails, providing vital race details such as equipment requirements, registration deadlines, parking information, and hotel recommendations. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on the race’s website and Facebook page, both of which are regularly updated with useful information.
3 Ultra Races, One Special Day
As I mentioned earlier, I participated in the new 50km course this year, so I’ll focus on breaking down that course and sharing my experience with it in detail. Before diving into that, though, I’ll briefly touch on the two other races that took place this weekend: the traditional 100km race and the new, incredibly challenging 100-mile division.
Last year, the FTR Chichibu race marked my first experience tackling a 100km trail race. It was a grueling and demanding challenge, but also an incredibly rewarding one. The course pushed me to my limits, and completing it took nearly 25 hours. While I won’t delve into last year’s race in detail here, those interested can check out my in-depth report from that event.
The FTR Chichibu & Oku-Musashi Signature 100km
This year’s 100km course remained largely unchanged from last year, although it saw a slightly smaller field of participants—likely because some runners opted for the 50km or the 100-mile divisions instead. The 100km race is renowned for its challenging terrain, featuring relentless climbs and technical trails, and this year’s edition proved no different. With a finish rate of around 69%, it’s a tough test of endurance, though the generous 32-hour cutoff time provides some leeway for participants.
On the men’s side, Hiroyuki Matsuda clinched victory with an impressive sub-16-hour finish, while Yukari Seimiya triumphed in the women’s category, completing the race in 18 hours and 18 minutes.
The First Fun Trails 100 Miler
As a fan of trail running, I’m always excited to witness the evolution of the sport—new courses, longer distances, and the incredible athletes who tackle these challenges. Although I haven’t yet attempted a 100-mile race myself, I’m fascinated by the sheer strength, determination, and resilience required to complete such events. Both professional and amateur runners inspire awe with their ability to endure not only the physical demands but also the mental trials of these ultra-distance races.
In Japan, the popularity of 100-mile trail races has been steadily growing, with more appearing on the calendar each year. Many of these races are particularly grueling, often involving steep and technical mountain trails that rival some of the hardest hundred mile races in the world. The inaugural 100-mile course at FTR Chichibu & Oku-Musashi fits this mold perfectly.
The course spans over 160km, boasts more than 9,000m of elevation gain, and shares the same 32-hour cutoff as the 100km race. Adding to the difficulty is the rule prohibiting the use of trail running poles, which applies across all three race distances.
While Fun Trails prides itself on its inclusive slogan, “Not only athletes, Everyone can enjoy!” I’d argue that completing the 100-mile course at FTR Chichibu & Oku-Musashi requires more than just a casual level of fitness. Even qualifying to enter the race demands significant prior experience: a sub-23-hour finish in a 100km race or a sub-35-hour finish in a 100-mile race. These are achievements reserved for seasoned trail runners, ensuring that the field is both small and highly competitive.
This year’s 100-mile race featured many elite runners, including the winner, Tomokazu Ihara—a legend in the ultra-running world who secured victory in 24 hours and 42 minutes, marking his astounding 76th 100-mile race. On the women’s side, the field was much smaller, with just five participants, but Junko Tokumoto emerged victorious, completing the course in 29 hours and 15 minutes.
The course itself was an expanded version of the 100km route, extending further into the Hanno area of Saitama and doubling back over trails to add an additional 60km of challenging terrain.
From an outside perspective, it was thrilling to watch the professionals battle for the top spots. However, with a finish rate of just 34.5%, the question of sustainability looms large. Reports from participants suggest that the cutoff times at aid stations were exceedingly tight, creating frustration for many who might have been able to finish had the deadlines been more forgiving. For a 160km course with over 9,000m of climbing, a 32-hour limit feels almost punitive compared to races like the Fuji 100, which is widely regarded as easier and offers a far more lenient 44-hour cutoff.
It’s unclear how Fun Trails plans to handle the 100-mile course in the future. Was this year’s edition a one-time event to commemorate the 10th anniversary? Will the cutoff times be extended to make the race more accessible? Or will it remain an exclusive challenge designed for only the best to conquer? Time will tell.
The FTR Chichibu & Oku-Musashi 50K is Back!
As mentioned earlier, the 50km distance made a comeback this year after being absent from the event since 2018. However, the 2024 version of the 50km race is quite different from the original course. The previous 50km race, known as FT Two Lakes and Green Line, was a point-to-point event starting at Hanno City Central Park and finishing in Chichibu at Hitsujiyama Park.
This year’s 50km course, on the other hand, begins and ends at Hitsujiyama Park and largely follows the same trails as the 100km course. Based on my observations, the first 26km of the roughly 54km route aligns with the initial section of the 100km course. After this, the course diverges for about 5km, incorporating a mix of roads, light trails, and moderate climbs, before rejoining the 100km route around the 83km mark of the longer race. Essentially, for those familiar with the 100km race, the 50km course covers the beginning and final segments of the full course. It features about 70% trail and basically has two big climbs that take place from aid stations one to two (roughly 11km +745m / -731m) then from aid stations three to four (roughly 10km +724 m / -470 m).
While still challenging, with approximately 3,000m of elevation gain total, the 50km race omits what I consider the most grueling sections of the 100km route. Having tackled the 100km last year, I can confidently say that the hardest climbs and technical segments are left out, making this new version of the 50km race more accessible yet still demanding.
As I hadn’t had the chance to visit Chichibu since last year’s race, it was fascinating to revisit familiar sections of the course in a completely different context. Experiencing the trails at different times of day and with a fresher mindset than I had during last year’s 100km race added a new layer of enjoyment. This 50km race offered a great balance of familiarity and novelty, allowing me to appreciate the course in a unique way.
Breaking Down the Day
One of the main reasons I chose to participate in the 50km race this year—and I suspect why it became the most popular distance at the event—was its convenience. Unlike the other race categories, the 50km offered the flexibility for those in the Kanto region to travel to Chichibu, check in, and complete the race all in a single day.
For someone like me, traveling from northern Chiba Prefecture, the journey by train to Chichibu takes nearly two and a half hours. Without a car, early race start times often mean either staying at a nearby hotel the night before (like I did last year) or, in some cases, not being able to participate at all.
With a 9am start time and same-day check-in available, this new 50km race is a perfect choice for those who prefer a less logistically demanding option. It’s clear the organizers had runners like me in mind when they designed this schedule.
The popularity of the 50km division was evident, with 678 participants—making it the largest field of the event. The race also attracted some notable international athletes, thanks to Adidas Terrex’s partnership with Fun Trails. Shunsuke Omiya, Fun Trails’ founder, is an Adidas-sponsored athlete, and the brand’s involvement added an exciting international dimension. Among the visiting Adidas-sponsored runners were Eric Lipuma (unfortunately sidelined due to injury), Luciana Nagaki, and Corrine Malcolm. Corrine delivered an impressive performance, finishing second overall in the women’s category. World-class mountain runner Yuri Yoshizumi claimed the title of first woman overall with an impressive time of 6 hours and 18 minutes, while sponsored athlete Masatoshi Obara secured the overall victory, finishing in a blazing 5 hours and 38 minutes.
An Early Morning Journey to Chichibu
Getting to the event is relatively straightforward if you’re coming from the greater Tokyo area. For many participants, it means enjoying a ride on the sleek and futuristic Seibu-Ikebukuro Limited Express train, known as the Laview. This train features fully reserved reclining seats, ample legroom, and device chargers, making for a comfortable journey. I boarded at Tokorozawa Station, but the Laview can also be taken from Ikebukuro Station. Despite having to wake up at 4:30am to make it to the race venue by 8am, the comfort and style of the Laview made the early start much more bearable. While local trains can also get you to Seibu-Chichibu Station or Ohanabatake Station (on the Chichibu Railway line), I highly recommend paying the small premium to travel in style.
I arrived at Seibu-Chichibu Station at around 7:45am, giving me over an hour to get to the venue, check in, and prepare for the race. To my surprise, I ran into an acquaintance—TTR legend Joey Dala—who I had shared some miles with during another Saitama race, the 2023 Around Toki River. Joey wasn’t racing this time but was there to support his friend Roy, visiting from California and running his first trail race in Japan. The three of us left the station together, and after a 15-minute walk, we arrived at the race venue at Hitsujiyama Park.
The venue was just as I remembered it from last year. Vendors lined the area with booths selling gear, supplements, and other supplies. Check-in was a breeze, thanks to the friendly and efficient Fun Trails staff. After picking up my race bib and participation package—which included a beautifully designed T-shirt—I dropped off my bag and was ready to hit the trails.
On the Trail: Navigating the 50km Challenge
Despite it being mid-November, the temperatures were quite mild on race day—perhaps 10 degrees (Celsius) warmer than last year’s race, if memory serves me right. The day was mostly cloudy and humid, with temperatures hovering in the mid-teens Celsius. It stayed that way for most of the race until around 4:30pm when it started to get dark, rainy, and cooler.
I opted for shorts but also wore a jacket—probably a mistake in hindsight—and hit the trails running.
Looking back on the race, I’ve realized that the 50km distance is deceptively tricky to master. Having done only one other mountain trail 50km race, I’m still figuring out the appropriate pacing, fueling, and energy management strategies for this distance.
Since I knew part of the course from last year’s 100km race, I took off faster than usual to avoid getting stuck in bottlenecks on the early trails and climbs. While this strategy worked initially, I quickly started overheating due to the combination of my jacket and the day’s humidity.
Another mistake was trying to increase my calorie and carbohydrate intake per hour more than I ever had in a race before. Recently, I’d been reading and hearing a lot about how high-carb fueling can be a “secret weapon” for success in trail and ultra races. In hindsight, I’d overlooked the golden rule of racing: never try anything new on race day.
By the time I was a few hours in and making my way to the second aid station, I was sweating heavily and stuffing myself with gels, bars, and drink mix every 30 minutes or so. The second aid station, located at Shōmaru Station in Hanno City, remains one of my favorites. It’s spacious, with lots of friendly volunteers and an abundance of delicious food and drinks.
I kept the carbs coming, enjoying rice balls, dorayaki, and bananas before setting off again toward the third aid station at Takayama. I was particularly eager to explore this section, as it featured brand-new trails introduced specifically for this year’s 50km course, making it an exciting addition to the race.
New Trails and Stomach Struggles
The stretch from Aid Station 2 to Aid Station 3 featured the newly added section that connects the Shomaru and Takayama aid stations (23km Aid Station 2 and 83km Aid Station 13 on the 100km course). On the 50km course, after Morizaka Pass at around 26.5km, the route veers left toward Koma River and Route 299, leading to the Takayama Aid Station.
Before the race, I had been curious about how the organizers would manage this key junction where the 50km course turns left, while the 100km and 100-mile courses continue right toward Mt. Imori. Fortunately, it turned out to be a non-issue. A Fun Trails staff member was stationed at the intersection, checking bibs and ensuring all runners took the correct path.
The roughly 5km stretch of new course in this section was relatively runnable, with minimal climbing. It meandered through forested paths and local roads before reconnecting with the 100km course and leading to the Takayama Aid Station.
At this point in the race, I was still feeling good overall—legs strong and stomach relatively stable—though I sensed I was pushing the limits of my fueling strategy. I’d been consuming more calories and carbs per hour than I had ever trained for, and it was starting to show. My heart rate was higher than ideal, and I was overheating slightly. While my stomach hadn’t fully rebelled yet, I could feel it edging toward trouble.
When I reached the Takayama Aid Station, I was still in good spirits, though my appetite had taken a hit. Gels were becoming less and less appealing, but I knew I had to keep eating to sustain my energy for the next stretch, which included some of the hardest climbs on the 50km course. The miso potatoes looked like the most palatable option, so I quickly ate a few and pressed on.
The section from Takayama to the final aid station, Kenmin no Mori, was grueling. It featured a challenging mix of roads and trails, steep ascents, gnarly roots and rocks, and even some scrambling. My stomach continued to worsen, making it difficult to take in any food or drink aside from small sips of water. As the day shifted into evening, my pace slowed, but I kept moving forward, motivated by the thought of the finish line growing closer.
I had fond memories of the final stretch from the Kenmin no Mori aid station to the finish line from last year and hoped I’d have enough energy left to enjoy it again this year. After a tough slog, I finally arrived at the festive Kenmin no Mori Aid Station. Volunteers greeted runners with smiles, Christmas lights twinkled, holiday music played, and some volunteers were even dressed in Santa costumes.
Despite the cheerful atmosphere, I was in no mood to celebrate. I smiled through my queasiness, thanked the amazing volunteers, and reluctantly forced down one last gel. After refilling my water, I headed back into the dark trails, determined to finish strong.
Headlamps, Slippery Downhills, and Sprinting to the Finish
While I don’t mind the climbs in mountain trail running and often find the views from the top breathtaking—as was the case on this day—what I truly love and excel at are the downhills. For me, the descent is where the magic happens. There’s a unique flow that comes with letting gravity take control and gliding down the trails, weaving through trees, rocks, and roots in a controlled yet exhilarating dance. It reminds me of my childhood spent downhill skiing.
This love for descents is why I looked forward to the final stretch of the FTR Chichibu race, from Aid Station 4 (Kenmin no Mori) back to the finish at Hitsujiyama Park. Covering roughly 12 kilometers (42km to 54km), this section features an elevation profile of +256m / -859m—meaning a lot of downhill running.
By the time I started this stretch, the late afternoon light was fading, and darkness was setting in. With my headlamp on and a light rain falling, the trails were wet and muddy, adding to the challenge. My digestive issues hadn’t subsided, but I was determined to enjoy this final part of the race.
Despite the slippery conditions, I found my rhythm and moved well through the downhill sections. The rain only heightened the experience, adding an extra layer of focus. As I approached the last few kilometers, the trails transitioned back to roads before returning to the paths leading to the finish line.
Teaming up with a couple of other runners, I pushed hard through the final stretch. By this point, I’d managed to push my digestive discomfort completely to the back of my mind. I felt alive, even fresh. As the finish line came into view, I found a final burst of energy, broke away from the small group I was running with, and sprinted across the line.
After crossing the finish, I picked up my finisher’s certificate and took a moment to reflect. I had placed 111th, completing the race in just under nine hours. Wet, muddy, queasy, and starting to feel the chill of the evening air, I was nevertheless satisfied with my effort and determination.
While this wasn’t my best performance, I walked away with valuable lessons. As always, Fun Trails delivered an outstanding event. The course was well-planned, the views were awe-inspiring, the trails were rugged and challenging, and the staff, volunteers, and fellow racers were nothing short of incredible.
That said, I wouldn’t suggest this 50km race for absolute beginners. With around 3,000 meters of elevation gain, challenging climbs, and steep descents, it’s a tough course. However, the generous 12-hour cutoff time and four well-stocked aid stations make it accessible for most runners to complete.
Now, with 10 successful years in the rearview, the Fun Trails Round Chichibu and Oku-Musashi event continues to challenge and inspire runners, offering a rewarding way to wrap up the race season. With three race distances to choose from, there’s something to offer ultra trail runners of all levels.
My race season is now finished, and it’s time to relax for a bit before planning what’s next. For those already looking ahead, Fun Trails has recently announced their 4th edition of the Fun Trails Round Minano, featuring a 50km race and a beginner-friendly 30km option. I ran the 30km race as one of my first trail events in 2023 and had a fantastic time. I highly recommend it—and if you do run it, don’t forget to enjoy the local strawberries at the aid station. They’re low in carbs, naturally refreshing, and much less likely to teach you the hard lesson I learned about overloading your stomach mid-race!
